Meg Lanning is one of the greatest women cricketers in the world. She is a leader, a powerful batter, and a role model for millions. From school-level cricket to lifting World Cups for Australia, Meg has done it all with grace and strength. People call her “Megastar,” and she truly deserves that title.
This article shares everything about Meg Lanning—her personal life, cricket career, family, relationships, achievements, and any controversies. Let’s look at the story of a legend who changed the face of women’s cricket in Australia and around the world.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Meghann Moira Lanning |
| Date of Birth | March 25, 1992 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 33 years |
| Birthplace | Singapore |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm approx.) |
| Batting Style | Right-hand bat |
| Role | Top-order Batter |
| International Debut | ODI – Jan 2011 vs England |
| T20I – Dec 2010 vs New Zealand | |
| Test – Aug 2013 vs England | |
| Teams Played For | Australia, Victoria, Melbourne Stars, Delhi Capitals (WPL) |
| Captaincy Record | Won multiple ICC and multi-nation titles |
| Relationship Status | Single (as of 2025) |
| Known For | Record-breaking captain, calm nature, legacy |
Early Life and Childhood
Meg Lanning was born on March 25, 1992, in Singapore. Yes, she was not born in Australia! Her father worked in a bank, and her family moved back to Sydney, Australia, when she was very young.
Later, they settled in Melbourne, where Meg started playing cricket seriously. She has four siblings, and her younger sister Anna Lanning also became a cricketer. Meg went to Kew High School and later studied at Haileybury Girls’ College, where she became the first girl to play in the boys’ first XI cricket team.
As a child, Meg was very active and always loved playing outdoor games. Cricket became her favorite. She worked hard every day, and her talent was clear from a young age. She also played hockey at a high level but chose cricket as her main sport.
Domestic Career: The Beginning of a Star
Meg Lanning’s professional journey began with Victoria in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL). Her performances in domestic cricket were outstanding. She scored lots of runs and caught the attention of national selectors.
She then became a star in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), playing for Melbourne Stars and later Melbourne Renegades. Her batting style is elegant, powerful, and full of smart cricket shots. She holds many WBBL records and has led her teams with maturity.
International Cricket Career
Meg Lanning made her international debut in 2010 at the age of 18. She started with an ODI match against New Zealand, where she impressed everyone with her calm batting.
ODI Career Highlights
Meg has scored over 4,500+ runs in ODIs. She became the youngest Australian to score a century in ODIs at just 18 years old. She has many centuries and fifties to her name and often plays match-winning knocks.
T20I Career
She played her first T20I match also in 2010 and quickly became one of the best batters in the format. Meg has led Australia to multiple ICC T20 World Cup wins and remains one of the top scorers in women’s T20I cricket.
Test Cricket
Although Australia plays very few Tests in women’s cricket, Meg has still managed to show her class in the longer format with important innings and smart captaincy.
Captaincy Career
Meg Lanning became the captain of the Australian women’s cricket team in 2014. Under her leadership, Australia won:
- T20 World Cups (2014, 2018, 2020, 2023)
- ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022
- Commonwealth Games 2022 Gold Medal
- Ashes Series
She became the most successful captain in women’s cricket history. Meg led with discipline, calmness, and intelligence. Her tactical mind, cool presence, and ability to lead from the front made her one of the greatest captains ever.
In 2023, Meg shocked the cricket world by retiring from international cricket at the age of 31. She said she wanted to explore new paths and give space to young talent. Her decision came after she took a break in 2022 to focus on her mental health.
Even after stepping away from international cricket, Meg continues to play in franchise leagues like the WPL (Women’s Premier League) and domestic cricket.
Records and Achievements
Meg Lanning has a long list of achievements. Here are some major ones:
- Most centuries in Women’s ODIs (15)
- Youngest Australian to score an ODI century (18 years)
- Captained Australia to 5 ICC World Cup titles (T20 + ODI)
- Over 8,000 international runs
- Multiple ICC awards and WBBL records
She has not only broken records but also built a strong, winning team culture that will inspire generations.
Family Life
Meg Lanning comes from a strong, supportive family. Her father, Wayne Lanning, played a key role in her cricket life by taking her to matches and practice sessions. Her mother, Sue Lanning, always encouraged her kids to follow their dreams.
Meg has four siblings, and her sister Anna Lanning is also a cricketer. The Lanning household is full of sports lovers, and family values have kept Meg grounded even after achieving global fame.
She often talks about how important her family’s support has been in her journey.
Relationship and Boyfriend
Meg Lanning is a very private person when it comes to her love life. As of now, there is no public information about her boyfriend or relationship status. She has never spoken about being in a romantic relationship.
Many fans have speculated over the years, but Meg has always kept her personal life away from the media. She focuses on her game, her team, and her own well-being.
It is safe to say that Meg Lanning is single and not dating anyone publicly as of 2025.
Personality and Interests
Meg is known for her quiet and focused personality. She does not seek attention or media hype. She believes in staying humble, doing her job, and respecting her teammates and opponents.
Off the field, Meg enjoys:
- Reading books
- Listening to music
- Spending time with family and friends
- Traveling
- Playing golf and relaxing in nature
She is also passionate about mental health awareness and now uses her voice to promote a balanced life for athletes.
Controversies and Public Reactions
Meg Lanning has maintained a very clean and respectful public image. She has not been involved in any major controversies. Her leadership has always been praised by fans, players, and cricket experts.
However, in 2022, she took an unexpected break from cricket right before the Commonwealth Games. At first, people speculated about injuries or personal issues. Later, it was revealed that Meg stepped away for her mental well-being.
This move opened up conversations around mental health in sports, and Meg received massive support. Her honesty and courage were widely appreciated.
Her retirement from international cricket in 2023 was also sudden and emotional for fans. Many people were shocked and sad, but they respected her choice and celebrated her journey.
Meg Lanning’s Legacy
Meg Lanning is more than just a cricketer. She is a symbol of consistency, grace, and leadership. Her impact on the Australian women’s team has been massive. She took them to new heights, built a winning mindset, and led with heart.
She inspired a whole generation of girls to pick up the bat and dream big. Her calm personality, honest interviews, and classy gameplay have earned her respect from fans across the world.
Even after retiring from international cricket, Meg continues to mentor young players and grow the game in new ways.
